Top 7 Historical & Heritage Tours in Anjuna, Goa

Goa was a Portuguese colony for over four centuries during which there was a strong influence of culture, language, tradition and architecture. All over the state there are beautiful houses which have floor plans and features from what you would observe in Portugal. Most houses have been built with the skill force available locally. Hence each house is a beauty by itself. The walls have seen centuries worth of stories that have led to making it special for us in the current day. We are in the city of Chandrapur which also happens to be the Oldest known capital of Goa. Picture the days gone by where it had armies, fortifications, battles and flourishing trade. Right from the Bhojas to the Silaharas, Chandor was a thriving settlement due to the connectivity that the river Kushavati provided to the travelers. The village is famous for the legend of the Queens curse that was brought upon the village as a result of treachery of the warriors of the kingdom.

Inclusions: Guided Tour, Snacks, Breakfast, All Fees and Taxes, First Aid / Medical kit, Drinking Water Filling stations

Exclusions: Lunch, Bottled water, Personal Expenses and Medication

A typical day in the village of Cansaulim is better than most. This quaint village in south Goa is unperturbed by the hustle and bustle of the city life. Just as life would go on several generations before, the people of this village are content with what they have without asking for more. As we open the doors of the traditional lifestyle of the people, we learn how far the world has evolved from how beautiful it would have been in the past. The discovery begins with the local Tinto (Market) where all the produce from the three villages are sold. Then we witness the large sized conventional machinery that are used to squeeze coconut oil in the purest form. The British have their mark in the making of the village transport system that still carry memories of the colonial past. Finally, the infamous mystery behind the three kings chapel and why it became popular as the most haunted place in Goa.

Inclusions: Guided Tour, Snacks, Breakfast, Feni Tasting, First Aid / Medical kit, Drinking Water Filling stations, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Bottled water, Personal Expenses and Medication, Dinner

Rachol Village Walk takes you on a beautiful journey in the village of Rachol, situated on the banks of river Zuari. The lush green fields and the beautiful monuments take your breath away. We explore the remains of what was a fortress in days gone by, and visit the Rachol Seminary , learning about this glorious monument and the people who developed it. We are then greeted with the smell of freshly baked bread, and discover the process behind this when we visit a local bakery. Stories about Our Lady Of Snows, the oldest church of South Goa, are also included in this visit. The walk is for tourists as well as locals.

Inclusions: Snacks, Guided Tour, First Aid / Medical kit, Drinking Water Filling stations, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Breakfast, Bottled water, Private transportation, Personal Expenses and Medication

Take a walk through the village wards of Saligao while picturesque fields surround the settlement. Visit a Portuguese house and get a chance to meet some of Goa’s renowned artists in our Saligao Village Walking Tour. Witness the simple yet splendid village lifestyle. Situated amidst picturesque surroundings of the typical Goan countryside is the Mae De Deus church at Saligao. Mae de Deus is stark, stern with a glamorous charm in contrast with Baroque style churches of Goa. The Mae de Deus church is a breathtaking sight with its Gothic spires and pristine white walls. It is among the finest in the Gothic style and is attractively illuminated at night. Built in 1873, it is the finest example of Neo-Gothic architecture in Goa which is in contract to the Baroque style churches of Goa. It houses the miraculous statue of Mae de Deus. The statue was eventually brought from the ruins of the convent of Mae de Deus at Old Goa.

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes, Guided Tour, First Aid / Medical kit, Drinking Water Filling stations

Exclusions: Bottled water, Personal Expenses and Medication, Breakfast

Goa has long been known for its churches and beaches. Primarily the monumental churches of Old Goa are visited leaving behind several others which are equally beautiful and rich in heritage. Carefully hidden behind the walls of these majestic monuments are mysteries that have been discovered only recently during the restoration. These astounding works of art on the walls of these monumental buildings could have been inspired by the Hindu Temples along the Konkan Coast. The ancient art of ​KAAVI made with a paste of soil and charcoal filled into an etched design will keep you wondering how one could possess such an intricate skill with magnificent results. Learn about how this beautiful art form has barely survived to tell its tale today. In addition, the colorful murals, rich blue stucco plaster work and also the rustic remains of one of the biggest churches to be built in Goa.

Inclusions: Guided Tour, Snacks, First Aid / Medical kit, Drinking Water Filling stations, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Breakfast, Bottled water, Private transportation, Personal Expenses and Medication

Panjim, the capital of Goa is known for its Indo Portuguese styled commercial architecture that was one of the first to be established when the capital was moved. One beautiful little section that was built during the making was Fontainhas also called the Latin Quarter of Panjim. From the times of tobacco trade to the minting of coins and the final administrative center of the Portuguese, Panjim has seen it all. With a special focus on the Fontainhas area, we discover the Making of Panaji. We learn how ‘Nova Goa’ developed as the new capital city after Old Goa crumbled down with the disease. We listen to stories about The Adilshah Palace, Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church, St Sebastian Chapel, the narrow lanes bearing hallmarks of the long Portuguese regime in Goa. In addition, we will visit one of the first houses in this area and join the owner as he shows you around.

Inclusions: Guided Tour, Snacks, All Fees and Taxes, Drinking Water Filling Station

Exclusions: Breakfast, Private transportation, Personal Expenses and Medication, Bottled water

The Island of Dveepvattika, or Divar as we presently know it , is the only major Island in Goa not connected by road. Flanked by Old Goa and Raibandar, this Island was once home to famous temples of Goa including the Saptkoteshwar Temple, the family deity of the Kadambas. As history would have it, it was one of the first places to be captured by the Portuguese in Goa. It suffered a strong bout of inquisition, and has innumerable stories to share. On the Divar Exploration, we explore the major religious monuments on the island along with some of the miraculous spots that have been known to answer any prayer with complete faith. We also learn about a century old traditional fishing techniques that are in practice even to this day. This village is quiet and has its mysteries such as a clean cut rock cave and a temple pond dating back nearly a thousand years. To cool off from the exciting stories we visit a local tavern and have a swig of Feni.

Inclusions: Guided Tour, Snacks, Breakfast, A drink at a local Tavern, First Aid / Medical kit, Drinking Water Filling stations, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Dinner, Bottled water, Private transportation, Personal Expenses and Medication, Soft drinks, extra alcohol